Maria Victoria Howell-Arza

I have chosen to immerse myself in both the sciences and the humanities. As a Cardea Fellow, Chemistry minor, and aspiring psychiatrist, I plan to pursue a double-major in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (concentrating on Arabic language and Middle Eastern culture) and Political Science (concentrating on Security, Peace, and Conflict.) I would love to put my Arabic language and culture skills to use in conjunction with my impending medical training to help others as a Doctor Without Borders in the Middle East. Besides my medical ambitions, I hope to pursue a career in government and international relations with a specialty in Middle Eastern conflict.

I am a long-time pageant competitor, now focusing my talents within the Miss America Organization. I also regularly volunteer for GANO, an organization that teaches Spanish-speaking immigrants and refugees in Durham how to speak English and apply for jobs. I am also a member of a number of political clubs on campus. In my little free time, I enjoy spending time with friends, going to barre classes, reading contemporary poetry, and singing.